Product Reviews

5A wonderful example of the British New Wave

Posted: 23/06/2009

A Taste of Honey is a wonderful example of the British 'New Wave', shot entirely on location and with inexperienced actors (the lovely Dora Bryan aside) it is the very definition of cinematic realism. Tony Richardson directs the cast through a number of taboo social issues with great subtlety, portraying them expertly through the soulful eyes and childhood innocence of the lead character Jo. On a basic level it is a film about relationships, look a little further and it is so much more than this, from the wonderful photography by Desmond Davis to the flawless performances and delightfully rich dialogue. A Taste of Honey will delight both fans of British Cinema and those new to exploring all that Film in the 60s has to offer.

4An astonishing viewpoint of the Holocaust

Posted: 05/02/2008

A couple of unnecessary inclusions aside (sorry Daniel) this is a solid adaptation of the nobel prize winning book of the same name. Fateless tells of life in concentration camps, the torturous daily routine that so many faced but also the friendships formed and the acceptance felt in the face of adversity - at least by Gyorgy (movingly played by 14 year old Marcell Nagy).

A subtle film with a very perplexing young man at its centre, Fateless also deserves much afterthought to appreciate the honesty and power of the characterisations from a writer (original book and screenplay) that experienced the camps firsthand.

4An intriguing read...

Posted: 19/01/2008

This book really does read as though it were written by a 15 year old boy, and I certainly do not mean that as a criticism. Fatelessness (original title) is a beautifully written account of a young boys experiences of concentration camps during the War. There is no shouting injustice from the rooftops here, no plans of escape and not even a sense of 'why me?' instead we have a very innocent, sometimes naiive and almost always accepting account of the atrocities that this boy faced. It is the incredible telling of this torturous period in history that no doubt won Fatelessness the Nobel prize for Literature in 2002.

Understatedly powerful, this is an intriguing and eye opening book that everyone should read.

5Absolutely wonderful and a testament to the power of film

Posted: 19/01/2008

Lewis Milestone is the director responsible for this powerful film that follows the lives of a group of German recruits who innocently step forth in to the horrors of fighting on the front line. Filmed in America with mostly American actors this film succeeds where so many others failed, it makes you forget about "sides" and forces you to see all involved in war as equals no matter what side they are fighting for. We see boys become men overnight as they fight for their country, and frame by frame we see them lose their own lives and take the lives of others.

The central character is that of Paul Baumer, expertly played by the 21 year old Lew Ayres. It is through Paul's eyes that we see the disillusionment that young soldiers faced, even when he makes it home on leave he finds no solace and instead looks forward to returning back to the war he so despises.

All Quite on the Western Front is as poignant now as it was back then, the iconic imagery used is both stark and beautiful and the battle scenes rival that of any modern day film. It will sadden and uplift you, it has a wit and grace that I have so rarely seen in films charting war and if you haven't seen it yet, you are greatly missing out.

4A fantastic film

Posted: 19/01/2008

Stalag (german for "prison") 17 is a surprisingly humurous film showing life behind enemy lines for the POW's captured during WW2. There are some wonderful moments in this film despite it's inherently dark theme, such as how the prisoners make the most of what little they have, how some cling on to their dreams (Animal's unflinching adoration of Betty Grable) and how others seem to just let them go. Billy Wilder manages to combine humour with drama and intensity with such ease and because his characters are so beautifully created you really do care what happens to them, making the scenes where they are in danger all the more nerve wracking to watch.

A fantastic film, and the perfect showcase for the cynical anti-hero that William Holden plays so well in both this film and The Bridge on the River Kwai.

4A great murder mystery for the 21st Century

Posted: 19/01/2008

I really enjoyed this film, certainly the best modern take on the old noir films that I have ever seen. The dialogue is a little difficult to grasp in places but it really doesn't matter because the style of the film and the strength of the characters are more than enough to pull it through with great success. It is a good versus evil tale but with one hell of a grey area in between. Don't puzzle over the intricate details too much or strain to hear every word and you will find this a highly enjoyable and atmospheric murder mystery.

5You would be C.R.A.Z.Y not to see this film

Posted: 19/01/2008

This is easily one of the most enjoyable films I saw in 2005, both deeply touching without being sentimental and laugh out loud funny without making light of teenage angst and parental strife. Marc-Andre Grondin gives an outstanding performance as Zac, the troubled teen. His brooding look, (attributed in no small part to impressively applied black eyeliner) and understated screen prowess is affecting and engaging. His worries and emotional quandaries are nothing new but they are explored and interlaced throughout the film in such a way that the issues never feel forced or tired. (And his rendition of Ground Control to Major Tom is a delightful treat).

There really isn't one single character in this film who isn't given a sense of depth. C.R.A.Z.Y is beautifully written, vibrant in both music and visuals and compassionately directed. Well worth a watch...or two...or three...

5More visual gags than you can shake a singing bush at...

Posted: 19/01/2008

Wherever there is unjustice you will find us, wherever there is suffering we'll be there, wherever liberty is threatened you will find...three blokes acting the fool in spangly costumes. But they do it with such finesse! This film is genius from start to finish with more visual gags than you can shake a singing bush at. The premise; three goofball has been wild west actors are mistaken for the real thing and are commisioned to scare off the bandits who are threatening a small village out in the desert. Enter Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short and couple them with the comedic ingenuity of the director John Landis and you have a sure fire winner. Why more people don't love this film is beyond my comprehension, it is simply daft as a brush fun. Embrace the silliness and forever Amigo's we'll beeeeeeeeeee.

5Thespotlight shines forever brightly onthis magnificant film

Posted: 19/01/2008

The dramatic music, the slow tracking shot along the Boulevard and the dulcet tones of the narrator/our leading man...

From start to finish this film is simply delicious and holds every key ingredient you could possibly wish for; an intelligent, satirical and witty script, a wonderful cast boasting perfect performances, an incredibly poignant musical score and sublimely extravagant set pieces, all of which are wrapped up and seamlessly put together by the breathtaking genius of Billy Wilder, director. And although he was known to value the script over the artistic portrayal of his films, there is no such evidence for that here. Tracking shots, close ups and dramatic camera angles are all used to full effect in this visual feast. The sun may be setting on the boulevard but the spotlight shines forever brightly on this magnificent film.

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